Sony Ericsson Xperia Pureness: A Design Icon from 2009

Sony Ericsson Xperia Pureness (X5) – 2009 Transparent-Screen Icon

Definition

The Sony Ericsson Xperia Pureness (model X5, codename “Kiki”) is a landmark feature phone released in November 2009, celebrated for its 1.8-inch monochrome transparent TFT display—a radical design experiment that blended minimalist aesthetics with basic mobile functionality. Positioned as a niche, style-focused device (not a smartphone), it targeted design enthusiasts and early adopters seeking a unique alternative to conventional candybar phones, while marking Sony Ericsson’s foray into experimental display tech before the Xperia lineup fully shifted to Android smartphones.

Core Identity & Release Context

Launch: Announced in September 2009, released globally in November 2009; exclusive to select markets (Europe, Asia) with a premium price tag (~€300).
Key Differentiator: The transparent screen—opaque when off (磨砂玻璃 texture) and see-through when active, displaying monochrome text/icons against ambient light.
Market Role: A design showcase for Sony Ericsson’s Xperia brand, emphasizing “simplicity and style” over high specs; the only non-smartphone in the early Xperia lineup.

Full Technical Specifications

Design & Display (Iconic Transparent Screen)

Aspect	Details
Form Factor	Ultra-slim candybar; minimalist design with clean lines, no excessive ports/buttons.
Display	1.8-inch transparent monochrome TFT (QVGA 240×320 resolution, 222 ppi); scratch-resistant glass; see-through when active, showing black text/icons against ambient light.
Keypad	Hidden-illuminated design: Only 3 raised metal buttons visible when off; all keys (nav, softkeys, numeric) light up when active, with color-coded backlights (green = call, yellow = menu, red = end).
Build & Weight	Lightweight plastic chassis; dimensions: 102×43×13 mm; weight: 70g (one of the lightest 3G phones of its era).
Color Options	Matte Black (only official color); premium finish to complement the transparent screen.
Unique Controls	Volume +/– on left/right edges; power button on the back (screw-cap design).

Performance & Storage

Component	Specifications
Chipset	Unspecified low-power processor optimized for feature phone tasks (calls, messaging, basic browsing).
Memory	88 MB internal storage + 2 GB pre-installed M2 (Memory Stick Micro) card (expandable up to 2 GB).
Software	Proprietary Sony Ericsson feature phone OS (not Symbian/Android); NetFront web browser, TrackID music recognition, basic organizer apps.

Camera & Multimedia

Feature	Details
Camera	No rear/front camera—deliberate omission to prioritize minimalism and design purity.
Multimedia	MP3/AAC/WMA player with MEGA BASS, Bluetooth A2DP for stereo audio, TrackID, FM radio (RDS).
Messaging	SMS, MMS, email (POP3/IMAP4/SMTP), Exchange ActiveSync for corporate email.

Connectivity & Battery

Aspect	Specifications
Network	3G UMTS 2100 MHz + quad-band GSM (850/900/1800/1900); GPRS/EDGE/HSPA (7.2 Mbps down, 2.0 Mbps up).
Connectivity	Bluetooth 2.1 (A2DP), 3.5mm audio jack, micro-USB (charging/data); no Wi-Fi/GPS.
Battery	670 mAh Li-Po removable battery; talk time: Up to 7.5 h (GSM)/5.8 h (3G); standby: Up to 350 h (2G/3G); music playback: Up to 25 h.

Design Innovation & User Experience

Transparent Screen Appeal: The display was a visual spectacle—users could see through the phone when active, creating a “light and air” aesthetic that aligned with Sony Ericsson’s design philosophy.
Hidden Keypad Drama: The illuminated keypad transformed the device from minimalist to functional when powered on, adding a “reveal” element to daily use.
Minimalist Focus: No camera, no extra sensors, and a stripped-down OS emphasized core tasks (calls, texts, music), appealing to users fatigued by feature bloat.

Market Reception & Legacy

Commercial Performance: A niche product with limited sales—high price and lack of a camera restricted mainstream appeal, but it became a collector’s item for design and tech enthusiasts.
Design Legacy: Paved the way for experimental display tech (e.g., LG’s transparent OLED prototypes) and proved that phones could be both functional and artistic.
Brand Impact: Reinforced Xperia’s identity as a design-forward lineup, even as Sony Ericsson shifted to Android-powered Xperia smartphones post-2010.